If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
It cannot hurt to try. Give counseling a chance for at least one month having one session a week if possible. The hardest thing is seeking counsel. The next hardest step is showing up for that first session. It is uncomfortable for anyone to open up to another person. No counselor expects a client to pour out their soul in the first session. Things take time. It certainly will not hurt to give it a try.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
Most situations whether trauma, depression, anxiety, and a variety of others there is typically low self-esteem, lack of self-respect, and self-blame. It is important to look at beliefs about oneself and in specific situations, and examine for truths and lies. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy and we have to examine what we are telling ourselves.
Is there any research-based work you’ve done that you found particularly exciting, and how has that informed your practice today?
The most exciting research-based technique that I have been trained in is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is quite the excellent technique and can be used in a variety of situations like trauma, anxiety, phobias, general worry, low self-esteem, past experiences, etc. It can also be used to bring down stress levels one may have about sessions. If applicable, I try to use this technique with every client as there is typically something that comes up where EMDR can be useful.
Specialties
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Adoption & foster care
Adoption and foster care considerations include education on the process, integrating the new family, establishing household rules and boundaries, processing past trauma on behalf of the child, emotional health, and other adjustment procedures.
Child mental health
Children can be impacted by things like anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. However, they can be difficult to identify because kids aren’t always able to communicate effectively. Untreated, child mental health issues can have long-term effects.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Fees
$120
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$130
Couples Therapy
$40
Group Therapy
$110
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Practices
Coaching
Eclectic Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Pastoral & Faith Based Counseling
Play Therapy
Training / Certifications
Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Play Therapy
Licensure
TX, LPC, 85136
TN, LPC, 5287
Education
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MA in Addiction Counseling
Work History
I have worked in a residential setting, foster care, and private practice. My main focus has been children and teens up to 18 years old. The main areas include trauma, behavioral issues, stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, life problems, etc. More specific techniques include TF-CBT, CBT, and EMDR.
Location
,, San Antonio, 78247, TX